Unit information: C1 Clinical Oncology in 2012/13

Unit name	C1 Clinical Oncology
Unit code	MEDIM3001
Credit points	15
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Forbes
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Health Sciences Faculty Office
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This module will be taught over a period of two and a half days including distance learning and classroom teaching, guided reading, seminars and clinical tutorials. Subject matter to be covered will include the following: (i) pathogenesis of malignant disease including tumour biology, (ii) principles of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy, (iii) diagnosis and staging of common tumours, (iv) clinical presentation of malignant disease, (v) treatment regimens of common tumours, and (vi) common or important complications of treatments and their mangement.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to allow students to revise the pathogenesis, presentation and diagnosis of the common malignancies and to develop their understanding of the usual clinical course and current management regimens.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After this module students will be able to:-

• discuss current knowledge of the pathogenesis of the common malignancies

• explain the skills necessary to assess patients with the common malignancies at all stages of their illness

• know the rationale for the common treatment modalities used

• be aware of the common adverse effects of treatments of malignancy and their management

• be aware of the usual survival times for common cancers

• discuss situations:

• where malignancy is potentially curable

• where palliative treatment is possible after consideration of the potential benefits and toxicities

• where palliative care is most appropriate and some of the factors that will influence these management decisions.

Teaching Information

2 ½ study days

• lectures
• tutorials
• discussion groups using case histories

Assessment Information

Case history on the presentation, diagnosis and management of a patient with malignancy, reflecting on critical incidents or key decision-making points (2500 words).

Reading and References

Rees GJG, Goodman SE, Bullimore JA. Cancer in Practice. Butterwork-Heinemann Ltd. Oxford 1993

Sikora K, Halman KE (eds). Treatment of Cancer. Chapman & Hall, London 1990

Hoskin P, Makin W. Oncology for Palliative Medicine 2nd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003